Polar Shades of Arizona

If you're looking for a fun and exciting family adventure, the Renaissance Festival is an event you won't want to miss. Held annually in February and March, this festival transports you back in time to a 16th-century village filled with mermaids, maidens, and magical moments. With so much to see and do, you'll feel like you're a part of a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament, and a feast all at once. Over 200 shops sell handmade items like blown glass, leather goods, and jewelry, where you can watch artisans create masterpieces right before your eyes. And with 16 stages of nonstop entertainment featuring music, dance, comedy, falconry, and acrobatics, there's something for everyone. Make sure to catch the three daily jousting tournaments or the Exclusive Pleasure Feast fit for royalty.

Stroll through Historic Heritage Square for a visual feast that delves into the rich history of Phoenix's Victorian past. The Rosson House dates back to the late 1800s and is the Square's centerpiece and a sight to behold. The historic architecture remains intact, while the buildings have become museums, shops, and restaurants. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a peaceful place to unwind, Heritage Square has something for everyone. Remember to acknowledge the O'Odham and Piipaash peoples and their ancestors, whose traditional territory and homelands we now stand on.

Get ready for a unique and imaginative way to experience classic storybook characters. The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is the place to be. From Rumpelstiltskin to The Tale of Peter Rabbit, you'll be amazed by the artistry of puppetry and the incredible skill of our professional puppeteers and theater artists. They offer entertaining and educational shows for students, and their repertoire of over 60 shows ranges from original stories about the environment to fun versions of fairy tales. They even provide study guides free of charge to enhance the experience for students and parents. Visit the historic building year-round, or catch one of the traveling shows at schools, libraries, child cares, and community centers all over Arizona and beyond. And see the adults-only Puppet Slam night for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Put a little spark in your tour at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, where you can experience the impressive collection of firefighting equipment, including some incredible fire engines from the mid-1800s. Additionally, you'll get to see historic helmets and other equipment that will give you a better appreciation of the history of firefighting. One of the most touching exhibits is the National Hall of Heroes, which pays tribute to the brave men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This exhibit will leave you feeling humbled and grateful for the sacrifices made by firefighters throughout history. Established in 1961, the museum now boasts five exhibit galleries showcasing one of the world's most extensive collections of firefighting apparatus. This collection includes items dating back to 1725 from America, England, France, Austria, Germany, and Japan, providing a comprehensive global perspective on firefighting.